Both teams are riding high on their 1st victories in the conference after similar slow starts.

The Hotshots finally rediscovered their winning form by routing Blackwater, 122-103, last Wednesday to get a confidence boost heading into their Manila Clasico game on Sunday.

The Kings, too, rode on Othyus Jeffers, who had 38 points and 20 rebounds, to outlast Rain or Shine, 103-92 last Sunday.

“He (Jeffers) showed that he could play even if he’s hurting, he kept playing. Iyun ang isa sa mga characteristics ng never-say-die. With him playing like that, it lifts the spirits of the players,” Caguioa said.

And it’s all Caguioa had to see to know they are up for something big this conference.

“It’s a 1st win. We needed that win. The way we won was very nice because we led and we sustained it. I think our defense was pretty good,” he added.

Caguioa, whose prime years are starting to leave him behind, longs for the Manila Clasico atmosphere every game.

But with Cone around and an import who is embracing their never-say-die attitude, Caguioa believes it’s just a matter of time before the fans will come in droves again and the goose-bumping “Gi-Ne-Bra!” chant to rock their games. — By AA